Regardless of Israel’s past, she is still the servant of Yahweh (44:1–5). Her future lies in her election. Israel is transformed by God’s grace into a new creation, the nature of which is described in a threefold way. First, the Spirit of the Lord is poured on the people (44:3). The presence of the Spirit is an expression of God’s intent to use the people as his servants and to equip them for his service. Second, the blessing of God will rest more markedly on the people’s offspring (44:3–5). The very process of internal renewal affects generations to come. In contrast to the past generations of faithlessness (43:27), there will now be generations of faithful people, blessed by the Lord. Third, the covenant will be renewed not only with Israel but also with Gentiles who will call on the Lor…